Concave spokeshave advice please

[wellywood]

I've just bought a (cheap) concave spokeshave for a specific project. Never used one before (used a standard shave) and am wondering if I should round off the ends of the blade to avoid digging in or if I would lose some other benefit by doing that. :?:

 

[Jacob]

Try it and see.

 

[bugbear]

I've just bought a (cheap) concave spokeshave for a specific project. Never used one before (used a standard shave) and am wondering if I should round off the ends of the blade to avoid digging in or if I would lose some other benefit by doing that. :?:

I don't see why/how you'd be working full width with that tool, so it shouldn't matter.

(in truth I'm not sure what concave spokeshaves are for, since a straight bladed shave
can be worked round most shapes)

BugBear

 

[AndyT]

I've only ever used one on thin pieces (handles) narrower than the blade, so no problem there. I can't think of any other purpose for which one would be needed, so l too suggest you just try it.

 

[custard]

I'll be charitable and say it could guarantee a consistent and standardised profile, but as bugbear pointed out you can achieve the same profile with a normal flat spokeshave, and a bit of practise would deliver the consistency.

 

[wellywood]

Thanks to all for the advice. I wasn't too certain myself about the benefits of a concave blade (which is why I bought a cheapy) but it was recommended by someone local who had made a similar project.
It's for use on relatively small cylindrical work and that's why I thought of rounding off the points.
I'll give it a go.

 

[Jacob]

..
(in truth I'm not sure what concave spokeshaves are for, since a straight bladed shave
can be worked round most shapes)

BugBear

Well yes. Maybe a concave shave is for a particular job within a particular trade? On the other hand perhaps it's simply that tool makers make them knowing that someone will buy them.

 

[Carl P]

Also, a flat spokeshave leaves flat faces, a concave one rounds off the angles which makes finishing a little quicker/easier, not necessary of course, but do you really need an excuse for another tool?!

Cheerio,

Carl